President Donald Trump stunned reporters Tuesday when he made it clear he would “rather not” continue the enhanced Obamacare subsidies that expire at the end of the year — rejecting Washington’s push to pour even more taxpayer dollars into a health-care system many Americans believe is already failing them.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Mar-a-Lago, Trump said he prefers a simpler, more transparent approach: stop sending billions to insurance companies and give the money directly to the American people.
“People keep saying I want a two-year extension. I don’t want a two-year extension — honestly, I don’t want an extension at all,” Trump said. “If there’s any extension, it would only be to make progress on something else, because the so-called Affordable Care Act has been a complete disaster.”
Fake News Rumors Shut Down Fast
Over the weekend, MS NOW — the new name for MSNBC — claimed the White House was preparing to extend the enhanced Obamacare tax credits through 2027. The report suggested tighter eligibility rules might accompany an extension.
But the story immediately fell apart.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the rumor outright, noting that Trump was not considering a long-term extension, a claim that surprised many Republicans who had been caught off guard by the media narrative.
Trump: Give Americans the Power to Choose Their Own Plan
Trump reiterated that his vision puts families — not insurance companies — in control.
“I like my plan the best,” Trump said. “Don’t give any money to the insurance companies. Give it to the people directly. Let them buy their own health care plan. And we’re looking at that.”
Several Republican senators, including Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), have already introduced proposals to convert Obamacare’s subsidy funding into direct payments, aligning with Trump’s consumer-first approach.
Democrats Used Obamacare Subsidies as Shutdown Leverage
The subsidies played a major role in the 43-day government shutdown earlier this year. Democrats attempted to use the standoff to force an early vote on extending the credits, but Senate Republicans only agreed to consider the matter next month — not to approve it.
A Massive Price Tag Hidden From Taxpayers
The enhanced subsidies were created under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, a Democrat-only spending package signed by President Biden. According to the Congressional Budget Office:
- They cost about $30 billion per year
- Extending them for 10 years would cost roughly $350 billion
- Total Obamacare spending in fiscal year 2025 hit $138 billion
For many older Americans, particularly retirees on fixed incomes, these soaring costs add to growing concerns about inflation, health care affordability, and federal spending under past Democrat leadership.
What Comes Next
Republicans in Congress are expected to rally behind Trump’s call to shift the money directly to individuals, a move likely to reshape the health-care debate heading into upcoming legislative battles.
Trump’s message was unmistakable: Obamacare has failed, and it’s time to return control — and the money — to the American people.